Details about the offer

Have you applied to other universities you consider very close, ‘on par’ or even better than oxbridge? (Ivies, Sorbonne, LSE..others for different subjects) N/A

Decisions about the application

For what reasons did you apply to Oxbridge?

Because of the teaching – the tutorial system really appealed to me. Also, the history of the town is exciting, particularly its significance in literature.

How did you decide between Oxford and Cambridge?

Oxford as a town I found more attractive, and Cambridge specified that they would rather English applicants did not take Drama and Theatre Studies A2, which I wanted to continue with.

Why did you choose this course?

It’s a very broad, diverse course which spans a large time period, but also goes into detail about specific periods.

Preparation

Did your school/college give you any extra tuition or help prior to your interview or application? yes

I had a mock interview with my headteacher who graduated from Oxford.

Do you have any advice for future applicants in terms of preparation?

Read around your subject, but make sure you understand and enjoy when you’re reading – don’t read specifically for the interview, take it as an opportunity to read for pleasure and discussion. It shouldn’t be onerous, but engaging, and if that’s the case, that’ll come across in the interview.

Interview

Did you have to sit any pre-interview exams (LNAT/BMAT/..)? yes

I sat the ELAT

Did you have to submit any written work prior to the interview? yes

I had to submit a recent essay done as school work, but was not a timed essay.

Did you have to take any exams as part of your interview(s)? no

How was/were in general your interview(s)?

Very enjoyable, although the process was quite stressful. The actual interviews I found really interesting.

Please comment further on any particular aspects/topics of your interview(s).

I was given the choice of what to talk about in my first interview, which was really nice, and the tutors were very interesting and pleasant – I wasn’t embarrassed to ask for clarification or definitions when I was unsure.

What questions were you asked during your interview(s)?

Questions about why I enjoyed the books we were discussing, what I thought the significance of certain themes were. For example, I spent a long time talking about the politics in Paradise Lost, and its relevance in Frankenstein. I also discussed the significance of methods of communication in Heart of Darkness, none of which was daunting, as I chose to talk about all those books, and I initiated the discussion of those themes.

What did you wear to your interview(s), and why?

I wore a a smart/casual skirt and a comfortable jumper, because I wanted to feel comfortable, and not have to worry about what I was wearing. I wore more or less what I normally wear, but a little bit smarter, so I didn’t feel over- or under-dressed at the interviews. To be honest though, whatever you feel comfortable wearing is the best option.

Impressions

What was your general impression of the college that you applied to/any others you visited?

Beautiful! Academically charged, but friendly and engaging.

If seen, please describe the college accommodation eg. size of rooms, facilities.

The accomodation was very good – I had a decent sized room with an en suite bathroom, a big desk etc. The only bad thing was that the heating wasn’t great and the bed was next to the window, so it was a little chilly at times!

How was the food provided by the college?

Excellent.

How did you find the tutors in the college?

Very friendly and communicative – I felt completely comfortable talking to them, during interviews, and outside of interviews.

Generally, what were the college students like (from what you saw of them)?

Very helpful, and very welcoming. They were really supportive and understanding of interviewees needs, but were also friendly and fun to spend time with.

Final stage

Please describe your feelings during the time you waited for the decision.

Anxious! But it was a relief that the applications procedure was over.

Please describe what happened when you received the letter/the call telling you whether you had a place or not.

I think I cried rather a lot, as did my parents, and then had champagne at 9.30am!

Looking back

If you were to re-live that year of your life again, would you still apply?

Definitely – all of the stress involved in applying just convinced me that it was somehting I really cared about, so it was definitely worth it.

What advice do you have for potential applicants based on your experiences?

Don’t apply because of the prestige of the university; apply if you think you’d enjoy yourself there, and if you really care about your subject. Applying is a stressful experience, but if it pays off then that’s great, and if you don’t apply you might always regret it. If you do apply and don’t get in, then at least you’ve had the opportunity to discuss your subject on a level that you wouldn’t in school.

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